The Healing Power of Music: The NF Journey Part One
The Search
The NF Journey
Ever wonder what rap music and LGBTQIA+ struggles have in common? Meet NF, the lyrical genius tearing down walls of stigma and silence.
Who is NF?
Dive into the world of NF, aka Nathan Feuerstein, a 32-year-old musical maverick from Gladwin, Michigan. Not just your average rapper, NF has cultivated a dedicated fanbase, yet remains somewhat of a mystery to the mainstream. Hollywood Insider in 2021 called him “Hip Hop’s Lone Outcast And Moral Compass,” noting how his music stands out, in particular because he doesn’t use swear words, which is rare for rap.
NF's early life was filled with adversity; raised by a mother battling opioid addiction, who died from an overdose in 2000, his music became the place he could express his emotions. His song ‘How Could You Leave Us’ is a beautiful example of his ability to turn pain into relateable lyrics about anger, loss, and grief.
NF’s Therapy Through Music
NF's discography is a beacon for those wrestling with mental health issues, offering solace and a sense of normalcy. His journey underscores the power of raw, authentic storytelling, resonating with listeners worldwide, especially those navigating their mental health. NF embraces therapy as a tool for his growth, self-discovery and self-acceptance.
Distinctively, NF brings his therapy sessions to the mic, discussing his mental health struggles candidly. His music is a blend of confession and craftsmanship, earning him a spot as a compelling storyteller whose lyrics about pain, and perseverance strike a universal chord.
In “Intro 2,” he reflects, “The only person I judge is the one in the mirror.” His songs traverse the complexities of his psyche, with tracks like ‘The Search’ visualizing his internal battles through powerful symbols like black balloons, representing the weight of self-doubt and OCD.
About OCD he writes: “Try to hold it underwater, but it always survives. Then it comes up out of nowhere like an evil surprise… it hovers over you to tell you millions of lies.” (NF – The Search)
NF doesn’t just rap; he converses about love, belonging, the pains of being an outlier, and the crucial role of therapy in healing. His album “Therapy Session” is a testament to the cathartic power of music, delving into the intricacies of pain management and the therapeutic journey.
NF Therapy Session
Confronting Criticism and Stigma
Despite being openly dissed as a “one-trick pony” who writes “overly simplistic monosyllabic” rhymes, NF stays in his lane, championing authenticity over approval. His response to criticism, as captured in "Outcast," highlights his commitment to self-truth:
“I'm just tryna be me, I am nobody else. I don't care what you think, I'm just being myself.”
NF's music strikes a chord with people from every walk of life, regardless of age, background, or belief. Tenay Beanes, author, speaker, and influencer, put together a webpage called “Creating With the Courage of NF.” A collection of videos that map out his path of healing, she says: “I was blown away by the courage of this creative man, who has used his gift of music and his pursuit of authenticity to give a voice to the hurting.”
How NF Touches Me
So why is a 65 year old therapist from Eugene, Oregon writing about this rapper? As a Bi+ therapist, I see NF's defiance in sharing his narrative and normalizing mental health struggles as crucial, especially in a world rife with discrimination and misunderstanding. His song ‘Only’ expresses a shared experience of struggle and the quest for peace, echoing the sentiments of many within the LGBTQIA+ community.
"Yeah, does anybody feel like me? Show of hands,
I don't need a lot, I just wanna find my peace." (NF - Only)
NF and the LGBTQIA+ Intersection
The relevance of NF's music to the LGBTQIA+ community lies in the shared experiences of marginalization, mental health struggles, and the pursuit of authenticity. NF’s candid exploration of these themes provides a soundtrack for the LGBTQIA+ journey, offering solace and solidarity.
His music is more than just entertainment, it’s a platform for shared experiences and collective resilience. It’s in this space that NF’s artistry intersects in many ways with the LGBTQIA+ experience, providing not just solace, but also a sense of communal uplift and empowerment.
The Power of Authenticity
NF’s realness and diversity of experience resonates with my experience as a Bi+ member of the LGBTQIA+ community. His ability to express vulnerability and strength offers hope and a sense of belonging to those feeling marginalized.
About reaching deep and creating music with emotional depth:
”And they wonder why the music has a huge effect?
Could it be 'cause I've been the go-to when it comes to depth?” (NF Tech N9ne - Trust)
The NF Journey of Resilience
In a world where adversity is growing, NF’s message is a call to stay in our authenticity. His music inspires us to champion our unique selves and persevere with hope.
NF's journey is a reminder of the power of music as a conduit for healing, connection, and empowerment, resonating with anyone who feels on the periphery, including the vibrant spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ community.
So, let’s hold onto hope, celebrate our authentic selves, and navigate our journeys with the courage and conviction echoed in NF’s music.
Tori Corbett, LCSW
In Part 2, I explore the theme of resilience, and the power of hope. #NF Real Music
Tori Corbett, LCSW, is a straight-passing Bi+ mental health therapist based in Eugene, Oregon. With over two decades of experience, Tori supports highly sensitive professional women in managing anxiety, building confidence, setting boundaries, and learning to appreciate the beauty of their unique identity. Individual queer and kink-positive online therapy in Oregon. All rights reserved Tori Corbett Counseling.
All Rights Reserved. Tori Corbett Counseling 2024
